I just bought a used 1992 F250 extended cab long bed. It needs some steering bits and likely suspension freshen up. But every site I look at references a ton of parts with different lift requirements.

I don't think my truck has aftermarket lift or anything. How do I tell what I need?
This is my first truck so I'm a complete dolt right now.

 

If there is no lift all you need is stock components for your year.Is your truck 4X4? If so its a dana 50(twin traction beam) so you just order parts for a 92 f250 (cab config/4x4/engine/trans info) stock of course, once you know that then your set

 

Here is a pic of the truck if that helps

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A...0/IMAG1095.jpg

 

Are you also asking how to tell what components are bad in the front end of your truck? I just want to make sure i fully understand your question

 

thats nice,7.3 idi im assuming? so its definatly 4x4 so its a d50 up front. If its diesel make sure you specify that as well when buying parts.

 

Yea, its a 7.3 idi with a banks sidewinder turbo. Also 4x4.
The trans is new, yet leaks, lol.

I plan on fitting a manual glow plug since it doesn't seem to work, cold days takes a long, long time to start. Wait to start only turns on for a fraction of a second.

 

yea i know on the older 6.9's the gp controller was a big problem so they just wired them on a push button type system to manually heat them.Its prolly the case with the 7.3idi as well.its a nice looking rig though

 

Bad glow plugs will cause a short cycle like you have. Check them with an ohm meter or a test light for continuity. If bad, replace with Motorcraft glow plugs as others have been known to fail quickly and get stuck in the head.

 

There's a whole lot of clunking in the front end and most ball joints are shot. The steering play is ridiculous as well. Is there a web site that you prefer to purchase from?

I'm have a degree in autotive tech, but I've only worked on motorbikes and Japanese cars.

Don't really know the ins and outs of ford trucks.

 

Thats good info there

Ive always just bought most all of my parts from the local auto parts stores,just never been one to order online.Im kinda impatient in that way,id rather pay a little more and have the part quicker then pay less and have to wait for the part to arrive.Sounds like it pretty worn up front,ball joints,tie rods,axle pivot bushings and possibly leaf spring bushings could all be in order to tighten it up.Tie rods can be checked by jacking up the front end so the wheels are off the ground(one at a time or both) and grab the wheel at 3-9 oclock and move back and forth and check for play.ball joints are at 12-6 oclock.hope this helps

 

Thanks. I'll probably just get stuff from the ford dealer near me.

Regarding shocks, there are a ton of choices. What's decent, or are they all basically the same if I'm going without a lift kit?

 

There are some ridiculously cheap kits on ebay for sets of all the tie rods, and I assume all ball joints also. Not sure about the quality, just sayin'. Check out Rockauto.com. I have had good service from them as well as most others.